Cheap Car Hire in California from £11

Hiring a car in California offers the freedom to explore this diverse region to the fullest. With its vast landscapes and stunning scenery, driving allows you to access attractions that might be challenging to reach by public transport. The Golden State boasts excellent highways, making it a breeze to travel between cities and explore hidden gems along the way. Plus, iconic spots like the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or Yosemite National Park are best experienced with a car. So, for convenience, flexibility and the chance to uncover California's hidden treasures, hiring a car is the way to go.

Driving in California is an adventure in itself. The driving culture here is relaxed and laid-back, especially along the picturesque Pacific Coast. However, traffic congestion in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can be challenging during peak hours, so plan accordingly. California has some special driving rules that you should be aware of. For example, you can make a right turn at a red light after stopping and checking for traffic, unless there is a sign that says otherwise. You can also use the carpool lanes (also called diamond lanes) on some freeways if you have at least two people in your car, but you should follow the signs that indicate when and where you can enter or exit them.

To hire a car in California, you generally need to be at least 21 years old. Some hire agencies may serve drivers as young as 18 but often with additional fees. You'll need a valid driver's licence, and for international visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Your driver's licence must be valid for the entire hiring period. Also, most hire companies require a credit card in the driver's name for security. Be sure to check the specific age and licence requirements with the hire agency you choose for a smooth car hire experience in California.

In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under £42/day when booking a car hire in California. The absolute best deal a user found was for £20/day from Fox, booked on Aug. 24.

Hiring a car in California for a week can be a great option for travel. Sixt, the most popular car hire company for this area, offers hire cars for around £414/week on average.

Typically, how long you can hire a car for depends on the inventory of the supplier. For California however, it is certainly possible to rent a car for an entire month.

You can potentially save up to 73% on a month-long rental by booking with Fox. Fox is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in California can cost you on average £1,776 a month or £59 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.